Osteoarthritis and Its Management

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain in older adults. This article helps you understand its symptoms and treatment options.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which there is decreased production of hyaline cartilage, protective cushion in the knee joint and also decreased production of lubricant called synovial fluid. As the cushion tissue between the bones the upper and the lower legs touch each other, it results in increased friction as they touch each other directly. This starts damaging the surface and slowly erodes the bony tissue.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The most common symptoms are,

How to Diagnose Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is best assessed by taking an x-ray of the affected joint.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Start physical exercises for the specific joint affected.
The best way to overcome the problem is to build good mass of muscles around the joint as these muscles encircle the joint and provide stability to the joint and thereby decreases the pain by more than 50%.
Should take Calcium and vitamin D tablets once in a day.
Should expose yourself to early morning sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes.
Topical use of pain ointments may help temporarily.

If problem still persists then consult a specialist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are the Stages of Osteoarthritis?

The stages of osteoarthritis are categorized as the following.
- Stage 0 – Normal. It refers to the normal joints where there are no damage.
- Stage 1 – Minor.
- Stage 2 – Mild.
- Stage 3 – Moderate.
- Stage 4 – Severe.

2. What Is the Treatment for Osteoarthritis?

The treatment for osteoarthritis includes the following.
- Medications, such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, are known to be helpful.
- Physiotherapy exercises are also known to be effective.
- Acupuncture is the best treatment method for osteoarthritis.
- In severe cases, the patient is advised for surgical procedures.

3. What Is the Difference Between Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is a term that generally refers to any type of inflammation in joints. Osteoarthritis refers to any type of degenerative disease of the joint disease. This condition is known to affect the cartilage of the joints, knees, hips, and spine.

4. What Is the Main Cause of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs due to wear and tear in the cartilage. People who are obese are known to be affected more than others. Repeated stress on the joints can also be the cause. Genetic factors are also a cause in some patients.

5. What Is the Best Vitamin for Osteoarthritis?

Vitamin D is the best for osteoarthritis. A deficiency of vitamin D can result in osteoarthritis. There are several other supplements that are recommended for osteoarthritis. You should talk to your doctor before taking these supplements.

6. Does Walking Worsen Osteoarthritis?

If you are an obese person, then walking would be recommended to you for overcoming the obese condition. Otherwise, walking is not good for you as it might increase the load on your knees. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip or back, then walking can aggravate the condition.

7. Is Osteoarthritis a Disability?

A condition is categorized as a disability if it causes a restriction in the movements of the joints. Depending on the degree of limitation of daily activities, the severity of the condition is identified. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis for a long time, you should consult your doctor.

8. What Happens if Osteoarthritis Is Left Untreated?

If osteoarthritis is left untreated, then it can lead to severe disabilities. It is a notable degenerative condition of the joints. The mortality rate from osteoarthritis is low. However, before it develops into a life-threatening one, it is necessary to get medical help.

9. How Can I Reverse Osteoarthritis?

It is possible to reverse the osteoarthritis condition if proper treatment is planned. The following medications are helpful in reversing the osteoarthritis condition.
- Acetaminophen.
- Duloxetine.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

10. What Foods Are Bad for Osteoarthritis?

The following foods are bad for osteoarthritis, and it should be avoided.
Sugar. This includes cookies, cakes, and bakery items.
- Fried food.
- White flour.
- Omega-6 fatty acids.
- Dairy products.

11. Does Caffeine Affect Osteoarthritis?

Medical researchers suggest that coffee can have a negative effect on Osteoarthritis conditions. It is known to cause weakness in the joints. If you are a regular consumer of coffee, you must reduce your coffee intake so that the condition of osteoarthritis can be cured.

12. Why Is Osteoarthritis So Painful?

Osteoarthritis is very painful because it causes the joints to lose its stiffness. In the long run, the elasticity of the cartilage is also lost. As a result, the ligaments and tendons stretch a lot and will result in severe pain.

13. What Is End Stage Osteoarthritis?

In end-stage osteoarthritis, the contact of the bones in the joint is lost. There is complete damage to the articular cartilage. The patients have a complete loss of function, and they find it hard to move. It is good to treat osteoarthritis before it reaches the end-stage.

14. Does Osteoarthritis Hurt All the Time?

The pain associated with osteoarthritis is never constant. It can be continuous or intermittent. It can happen after walking for a long time, or it can also occur if the person stays in the same place.

15. What Is Osteoarthritis Pain Like?

Osteoarthritis pain is very sharp. It is aggravated by movements of the joints. The joints can be accompanied by swelling and tenderness. If the pain persists for a very long time, consult your doctor immediately.